Seeking Executive Director w/ leadership, advocacy, operational and financial management skills

The Executive Director of the Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is responsible for the successful leadership and operations of ACWB according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director is responsible for establishing and implementing goals and objectives for the Arts Council which align with the ACWB Strategic Plan and clearly articulating these goals in annual business plans.

About: The position is responsible for leading the evaluation of all projects, programs, and operations to determine effectiveness in achieving the organization’s strategic priorities. The ED develops and maintains an effective organizational structure and manages all aspects of human resource development. They direct major activities through ACWB staff and through collaboration with other organizations. The Executive Director represents the Organization to the ACWB membership, wider arts community, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, other social profit agencies, funders, and the general public.

Salary Range: $104,000 – $137,000 based on experience and credentials.

Duties and responsibilities: The Executive Director performs a wide range of duties including some or all of the following:

Leadership & Influence:

• Strategic Planning: In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develops a vision and strategic plan for ACWB. Develops operational/business plans, including key performance indicators, based on the strategic plan. The ED is responsible for the consistent achievement of Arts Council Wood Buffalo’s mission and objectives, and is expected to inspire action and support initiatives to achieve those goals.
• Identifies, interprets, and acts on information about community, artistic and funding trends and resources as they relate to communication, decision making, and long term planning within the context of the mandate of ACWB.
• Maintains open communication with the local arts community and incorporates pertinent trends into operational planning, feedback to the ACWB Board of Directors, and education and awareness to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Develops, guides and positions the activities of ACWB within the context of the wider arts sector, keeping the Board and staff informed about significant risks and issues that affect ACWB programs and services and the Wood Buffalo arts community.
• Partners with key stakeholders including, but not limited to: ACWB Board of Directors, Regional Council and Administration, local artists / arts groups, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
• Effectively navigates municipal, provincial and federal contexts using purposeful communication, strategic advocacy, and a keen understanding of the varied political environments. people and political skill sets.
• In addition to the Chair of the Board, acts as the spokesperson for the organization and for the arts community in Wood Buffalo.
• Initiate and develop relationships with a broad range of community sectors including: urban and rural communities, all levels of government, other social profit organizations and business / industry.
• Maintain and advance community relations including undertaking activities within the Community that enhance the visibility of the ACWB and the Wood Buffalo arts community.
• Represent the organization on appropriate committees, joint projects and develop and provide information about the organization’s goals, programs and services.

Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations:

• Develop and implement appropriate advocacy strategies for all three levels of government, media, Wood Buffalo residents, and communities outside of the region.\
• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in Wood Buffalo arts sector.
• Build and maintain good working relationships and collaborations with key stakeholders.
• Actively advocate for the arts community with external stakeholders.

Operational Management:

• The Executive Director will provide leadership in the daily management of ACWB’s operations including human resources, financial management, and legal responsibilities.
• Develop an operational plan which incorporate the Board’s vision and ACWB’s strategic plan.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization.
• Draft policies and procedures for the approval of the Board.
• Review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as Required.
• Ensure that records are maintained according to ACWB confidentiality / privacy policies and relevant legislation.
• Provide support to the Board by preparing monthly meeting agenda packages, taking and distributing meeting minutes, and managing logistics associated with monthly and ad hoc committee meetings.
• Responsible for all aspects of Human Resource Management including recruitment, training, orientation, team development, performance management, etc.
• In collaboration with ACWB Staff, oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs, partnerships, and projects – ensuring they align with the ACWB mission, Strategic Plan, and needs of the arts community.
• The ED is accountable for all operations and business planning, and ensuring that programs, communications and resources are continually enhanced to deliver member value and organizational performance.

Financial Planning & Management:

• Work with ACWB Staff and the Board to prepare a comprehensive Annual Budget.
• In collaboration with the Board, secure adequate funding for the operations of the organization.
• Work with Staff to ensure programs and projects are appropriately resourced, and identify revenue streams for each program area.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
• Ensure that best practices within financial management are followed.
• Provide the bookkeeper with monthly financial information, and work with the bookkeeper and accountant to compile annual financial statements.
• Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization in collaboration with ACWB Staff.
• Provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures to the Board.
• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s human resources (paid and unpaid), property, finances, and image; and implement measures to control those risks.
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.

Qualififications:

Experience:

• Completed a post-secondary education in non-profit, business, cultural management, or related field.
• A preference will be given to art related experience.
• Proven record of five or more years of senior management experience in a non-profit environment, preferably in the cultural sector.
• Experience working with Wood Buffalo’s diverse communities would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations.
• Knowledge of and experience with all federal and provincial legislation applicable to operating a non-profit organization including (but not limited to): employment standards, occupational health and safety, taxation, privacy, anti-spam, etc.
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities related to ACWB’s mission and objectives.
• Knowledge of human resources management, financial management, and project management
• Proven track record of developing and adapting the operations of a growing organization with diverse programs and stakeholders.
• Experience and ability with advocacy and government relations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policy guidelines with a sound understanding of effective governance within a policy governance structure.

Contact:

• Please submit your resume by email to hr@artscouncilwb.ca.
• Application deadline is December 30, 2016.
• Please note that it is our practice to contact only those candidates who are chosen to proceed in the competition.